Carmen Amato is an American author who is best known for her thrilling and suspenseful novels. She has written several series and standalone novels that have captivated readers around the world. One of her most popular series are the Detective Emilia Cruz series, which is set in Acapulco and follows the first female police detective in the city as she confronts social inequalities, Mexico's cartels, and corruption.
Amato has an impressive background that has no doubt contributed to the rich and intriguing storylines in her books. After a thirty-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, Amato turned her experiences into fiction, creating stories filled with danger, deception, and mystery. Her unique background has given her a wealth of knowledge and insight into the world of espionage and suspense, which she masterfully weaves into her stories.
The Detective Emilia Cruz series is a prime example of Amato's ability to create compelling characters and storylines that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The series has won numerous awards, including the Poison Cup award for Outstanding Series from Crime Masters of America in both 2019 and 2020. It has also been optioned for television, further cementing its status as a must-read series.
In addition to the Detective Emilia Cruz series, Amato has also written a standalone book, The Hidden Light of Mexico City, which was longlisted for the 2020 Millennium Book Award. She has also started a new historical fiction series, The Galliano Club, which was inspired by her grandfather, a deputy sheriff during Prohibition. Amato's writing is not only suspenseful and thrilling, but also deeply rooted in historical events and personal experiences, making her stories all the more captivating.